Oregon Files Lawsuit Against Former Running Backs Coach in $200K Buyout Dispute

Oregon Sues Former Running Backs Coach Carlos Locklyn Over Unpaid $200K Buyout After Departure to Ohio State

The University of Oregon has filed a breach of contract lawsuit against its former running backs coach, Carlos Locklyn, following his move to Ohio State. Locklyn, who coached the Ducks in 2022 and 2023, departed for Columbus in April 2024. Oregon claims Locklyn was contractually obligated to pay a $400,000 buyout within 60 days of leaving, but his legal team argues he only owed half that amount—and says he paid it. The university, however, returned his $200,000 check and is now suing for the full sum plus 9% interest.

The lawsuit was filed on April 4 in Lane County Circuit Court and was first reported by The Oregonian.

Locklyn had signed a two-year, $800,000 contract extension with Oregon in February 2024, which stipulated that he would owe the full remainder of his contract if he left early. However, starting April 1, 2024, that obligation would drop to 50%—a clause that coincided with Ohio State’s recruitment of Locklyn.

Included in the court documents is an “employee agreement” signed by Locklyn that states: “Termination by Coach shall require Coach to pay…Fifty percent (50%) of Guaranteed Salary at the time of Termination by Coach if this Agreement is Terminated by Coach beginning April 1, 2024 and prior to February 1, 2025.” Based on that clause, Oregon estimates the buyout at around $366,667.

Locklyn disputes this interpretation. His attorney, John Berg, called the university’s calculation “untenable” and insists that Locklyn only owed $200,000—the same amount his Ohio State contract allocated for the buyout. Although Locklyn sent Oregon a check for that amount in May, the university returned it to avoid the implication that it had accepted a partial settlement.

“We look forward to presenting the facts in court and believe the case will ultimately be resolved in Coach Locklyn’s favor,” Berg told The Oregonian.

A University of Oregon spokesperson told Front Office Sports, “The complaint outlines our position regarding the lawsuit. Due to the pending litigation, we do not believe it would be appropriate to provide further comment at this time.” Locklyn’s representatives have not yet responded to inquiries.

Locklyn’s debut season with the Buckeyes concluded with a national championship—their first since 2014. While Oregon edged out Ohio State during the regular season, the Buckeyes dominated in a decisive 20-point win over the top-seeded Ducks in the Rose Bowl.